THE Ladder Association, the trade body representing the leading manufacturers, suppliers and ladder training companies in the UK, has strongly endorsed the warning about fake ladders broadcast in a recent episode of Fake Britain – the popular BBC series starring Matt Allwright that reveals the extent of counterfeit products in the UK.
“Wholesalers and retailers need to satisfy themselves that the ladders they are selling actually comply with the relevant product standard. The Ladder Association recommends that you ask the manufacturer or importer for a certificate of compliance from an accredited, independent third party test organisation. Not content with that, you should then check with the test organisation direct to check that the certificate is genuine. After all, lives could be at risk, let alone livelihoods.”
“But beware. If applicable requirements of the standard are shown on a test report as ’not tested’, then that could indicate that the ladder fails to meet the standard.”
“When selecting and buying a ladder, quality, reliability and safety should always be the priority. A ladder is a safety critical item and the risks associated with purchasing and using a deficient or unsafe product are potentially enormous, with far reaching consequences – not only for the user, but for everyone involved in the supply chain.”
“You should only buy ladders and stepladders produced by reputable manufacturers and sold by experienced, knowledgeable suppliers. As you would expect, all Ladder Association manufacturing members are required to operate an ISO quality management system and to have product certification to a relevant ladder standard from an accredited, independent third party testing house.”
Recently introduced to deliver informed advice for all sectors of the ladder industry, the Ladder Association’s Advocate Scheme provides ladder experts to talk to national and regional meetings of professional bodies, and trade associations whose members are regular ladder users. The Advocate presentation includes the implications of sub-standard ladders and the potential consequences for unsuspecting users.
For more information about the work and role of the Association, the new Advocate Scheme and the safety resources available – including the Ladder Association’s Code of Practice – please visit www.ladderassociation.org.uk
To View the episode click here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b06rdx2m/fake-britain-series-6-episode-9
Click here to view all the Ladder Safety Training courses we offer.
The Ladder Association training scheme equips delegates with the knowledge, skills and confidence necessary to use ladders legally and safely.
Ladder safety training addresses issues raised by the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Working at Height Regulations 2005. Under the regulations every person in the chain up to and including the user has a duty of care both to themselves and others to know and understand the practical implications of working at height. Demonstration of competence is a key requirement to the Regulations and successful complete of a ladder safety course provides proof of such competence.
Courses available:
Ladder Association (LA) courses are delivered by HSS Training at LA accredited centres or on site. HSS Training uses the Ladder Association name and associated logos (“the LA Marks”) as a member of IPAF and under licence from The Ladder Association.
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